Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey Stratton
Hi Casey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey into photography started when I was younger. I’d spend time with my friends taking photos using disposable cameras, picking outfits, and exploring new locations. Photography was always something I enjoyed, even though my husband used to tease me about constantly stopping to take pictures. But over time, as we looked back on memories—whether it was our adventures together or how much our children had grown—he came to appreciate those moments I captured. In fact, he’s now my biggest cheerleader.
He was the one who encouraged me to take photography seriously and even bought me a Canon DSLR. Admittedly, I used it a few times and then tucked it away in the back of my closet. It wasn’t until my daughter’s senior year that I picked it up again, wanting to preserve those precious memories. That was when I rediscovered my love for photography, but this time, with a camera and lens rather than just my phone.
I’ve always believed that the best camera is the one you have on hand, and some of my favorite shots have been taken with my phone. But last year, I made the switch to mirrorless, and I absolutely love it!
For the past 15 years, I worked in the corporate world, climbing the ranks from Rackspace to Hulu, Dialpad, and Litmos. My most recent role was as Director of Customer Experience Operations, where I worked across multiple teams to ensure they had the tools, resources, and reporting they needed. But after facing several layoffs and restructurings, I realized I needed a change. So, a year ago, I started Seven Dorfs Photography—a side hustle that allowed me to tap into my creative, artistic side. In September of this year, after a particularly tough time with a corporate reorg, my husband encouraged me to pursue photography full-time, and I haven’t looked back.
I named the business Seven Dorfs Photography in honor of my family. My husband’s last name is Dockendorf, and at the time, we had two children and three pets—seven of us in total. I couldn’t resist the playful pun with the Seven Dwarfs!
Since starting my business, I’ve had the opportunity to work on over 90 sessions, from real estate to headshots, proposals, weddings, maternity, and newborn shoots. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to continue growing and capturing beautiful moments for others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. The biggest challenge for me has been the identity shift. Transitioning from a fast-paced corporate mindset to working for myself and running my own business has been a huge change. It’s not just about managing the logistics and operations; it’s about learning to embrace my creative side and trust myself more.
Imposter syndrome has been a constant companion along the way. In the creative world, it’s hard not to compare yourself to others. There’s always that nagging feeling of “Am I good enough?” or “Will people like my work?” But over time, I’ve learned to embrace my unique style and focus more on creating what feels true to me.
Of course, like anyone starting a business, I’ve had my fair share of struggles. Finding clients, building a portfolio, and figuring out where I truly want to focus have been ongoing challenges. And don’t even get me started on social media—it’s a whole world of its own! But with each step, I’ve grown more comfortable and confident in navigating these challenges. And even though I’m still figuring out my focus, I’m excited about where this journey is taking me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in a variety of photography, but what truly excites me is capturing authentic moments, whether it’s a family milestone or a beautiful home. For real estate, I enjoy working with different houses and layouts—having looked at what felt like 100 homes when we were in the buying process, I have a good sense of what people are looking for and how to showcase a space.
When it comes to working with people, I find the most joy in intimate sessions. I love documenting the stories of people’s lives during graduations, proposals, engagements, maternity shoots, newborns, and elopements. These moments are so meaningful, and I’m honored to be the one to capture them.
I also feel that my corporate background gives me a unique edge when it comes to headshots. I really focus on capturing people in their most authentic light, creating images they can proudly share with the world that reflect who they are both personally and professionally.
Lastly, I have a special appreciation for detail shots—whether it’s the beautiful decor at a party, the sparkle of a proposal ring, or the tiny fingers of a newborn. It’s all about capturing the moments that make a story feel real and special.
Above all, what sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity. I believe the best photos are the ones that truly represent a person, a couple, or a family—capturing the real moments that they’ll cherish for years to come.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
People can easily work with me by booking a session! You can reach out via email at Casey@sevendorfs.com or fill out the contact form on my website at Seven Dorfs Photography Contact Page.
I also love collaborating with businesses to provide photography collateral for their social media and website content. If you’re in need of company headshots, I offer discounts for those sessions as well!
To support my work, follow me on social media! You can like, share, and comment on my posts on Instagram @Seven_dorfs and on Facebook at Seven Dorfs Photography. I’ve set myself a challenge to post every day this November, so stay tuned for lots of exciting content!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sevendorfs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seven_dorfs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554159240087
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/seven-dorfs-photography-selma
